If you're a fan of the Miami Hurricanes, life is pretty good right now. On Tuesday night, a 2-for-1 special arrived and we're not talking about the one at your local pizzeria. Nope, Miami was able to get things across the line with quarterback Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate.
Projected Miami offense with Darian Mensah committing has CFP written all over it
With both of those playmakers on board, Hurricanes fans can go ahead and start dreaming about a deep College Football Playoff run next season. Well, leave it to 247Sports to make things even better. Right after the two new commitments arrived, Miami surged to No. 4 in the transfer rankings. Yup, we'll take it:
With Mensah's and Barkate's commitment, Miami jumps to No. 4 in the 247Sports Transfer Rankings. Second straight year with a Top 5 transfer ranking, and fourth straight year with a Top 10 transfer ranking.
— Rob Weaver (@PatentWeaver) January 28, 2026
--> 2026 (No. 4); 2025 (No. 3); 2023 (No. 10); 2022 (No. 7) <-- pic.twitter.com/GjfuC8tEXJ
Miami signing both Darian Mensah and Cooper Barkate has the CFB world talking
LSU and Lane Kiffin are at the No. 1 spot for those transfer rankings, but with him clearly having a blank check with targets to work with, this was expected. Kiffin signed Sam Leavitt and Jordan Seaton over Miami, which stung.
However, the Canes and Mario Cristobal reeling in Mensah and Barkate like this at the last minute sure has everyone talking and for a great reason. The two just helped Duke win the ACC title and now they'll be ready to do the same in Coral Gables with the Canes.
This past season was one to remember for Miami, with QB transfer Carson Beck leading The U all the way to the national title game. A heartbreaking loss to Indiana and Curt Cignetti was posted at Hard Rock Stadium, but that doesn't take away from what this group was able to accomplish.
With so many returning studs for next fall, it feels like another memorable season will be on the way. There were question marks behind center with Beck off to the NFL and Cristobal missing on some of his top targets, but Mensah signing is gold. Adding Barkate is 100 percent the cherry on top too, as this offense is going to be loaded once again for Shannon Dawson.